Archive · 28 Jul 2026
India China Resume Silk Route Border Trade
India and China are starting to trade again through the Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim after a six-year break because of the Covid pandemic.
This trade route is part of the old Silk Route, which was a famous path for trading goods and ideas between the East and West.
The trade will happen from May to November every year.
India is also building roads and railways to make it easier to trade.
There are some disagreements between the two countries about their border, but they are still working together on this trade.
There is also a religious trip called the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that will go through this pass again in 2025.
India and China will resume border trade through the Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim on August 1.
The trade route was initially reopened in 2006 and was suspended for six years due to the Covid pandemic.
The Nathu La Pass trade route is part of the historic Silk Route, which facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.
India is developing infrastructure projects like the Sivok-Rangpo railway link and the Rongli-Menla road to improve connectivity.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a religious pilgrimage, will resume through the Nathu La Pass in 2025.
- Who
- India and China
- What
- Resumption of border trade via Nathu La Pass
- When
- August 1
- Where
- Nathu La Pass, East Sikkim
- Why
- To boost economic prosperity and strengthen trade relations, despite unresolved border disputes
Economic Benefits
Geopolitical Tensions
Trade Resumption
Economic Benefits
The resumption of trade will boost economic prosperity in border regions and strengthen economic ties between India and China.
Geopolitical Tensions
The resumption of trade could be seen as a strategic move by China to exert economic influence over India, given the unresolved border disputes.
Infrastructure Development
Economic Benefits
India's infrastructure development projects, such as the Sivok-Rangpo railway link and the Rongli-Menla road, will enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother trade.
Geopolitical Tensions
China may view India's infrastructure development near the border as a potential military threat, leading to increased tensions.
- Trade Route
- Nathu La Pass, East Sikkim
- Trade Duration
- May to November (6 months annually)
- Trade Suspension Period
- 6 years (since the Covid pandemic)
- Infrastructure Projects
- Sivok-Rangpo railway link, Rongli-Menla road, NH717A
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Resumed in 2025 through Nathu La Pass